Subscribe
Follow Us
Joel Embiid's eighth double-double performance of the year didn't come short of defense, as the Philadelphia 76ers big man bundled his team-high 28 points and 12 rebounds with two blocked shots — a key reason as to why the Portland Trail Blazers were kept at a distance through a 101-81 landslide.
The Process has now blocked a shot in 12 of his 15 appearances this season, including his last 10 — as he attempts to solidify himself as one of the best centers in the league on both sides of the ball.
“Not to be cocky, but I think I’m the best defensive player in the league right now,” Embiid said, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. His comment came in response to being asked how good can he become at the defensive end of the ball.
The 23-year-old Cameroonian was self-aware of the difference between his numbers this season and through last year's 31-game showing.
Article Continues Below
“I’m still getting better,” Embiid added. “My blocks are a little down [compared to last season] I’m a better rebounder this year.”
Embiid's 1.9 blocks per game average is a slight decline from the 2.5 sample he gave fans through his short stint on the court in the 2016-17 season. Knowing this, the 7-footer has averaged three blocks per game in his last four games, largely aided by his seven-block performance in a breakout game against the Los Angeles Lakers last Wednesday.
The Kansas product is still working himself to full fitness after missing part of the preseason and hoping to hit his weight goal of 275 pounds for the season.
“It’s not all the way there but I think it’s getting better,” Embiid said. “I’ve still got to work on a lot of things, but it’s getting there. I can’t wait to be at a hundred percent.”
